Mike Johanns on Abortion

Secretary of Agriculture; previously Republican NE Governor

No new embryonic stem cell lines, but existing research ok

Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?

A: No. While I do not support research on new embryonic stem cell lines,
I support President Bush’s policy to limit research on existing embryonic stem cell lines because it prevents the destruction of new embryos for the purpose of federally funded research.

Don’t let judges decide on partial birth abortion

When the Nebraska Legislature overwhelmingly voted to end partial birth abortion, a liberal judge decided they were wrong and overturned our law. That’s a trend that is all too common. Judges must fairly interpret the law, not use a liberal bias
to make a political statement, or pursue an activist agenda. I will support conservative judges who interpret our laws based on the constitution. I believe we are a nation of laws and values and our courts must reflect those principles.

Partial-birth abortion is a barbaric practice

I ask the Legislature to make a bold commitment to honor the life of the unborn. I, like many in our state, was saddened by the US Supreme Court decision striking down Nebraska’s law banning partial-birth abortion.
My review of this decision tells me that until there is a change on the Court, there is no meaningful hope of ending this barbaric practice.

However, we are not powerless in this area, I ask you to strengthen parental notification by sending legislation introduced by Senator Quandahl to my desk for signature. And in every way possible, I ask you to help me promote adoption as an alternative
to abortion. In addition, I repeat my commitment to sign into law a ban on the use of fetal cells in research that are derived from elective abortion. I also ask you to pass fetal homicide legislation for my signature as other states have done.

Prohibit federal funding for abortion.

Johanns signed No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

TITLE I: Prohibiting Federally-Funded Abortions and Providing for Conscience Protections

Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. (Currently, federal funds cannot be used for abortion services and plans receiving federal funds must keep federal funds segregated from any funds for abortion services.)

Excludes from such prohibitions an abortion if: the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or the woman would be place in danger of death unless an abortion is performed.

TITLE II: Elimination of Certain Tax Benefits Relating to Abortion

Disqualifies, for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses, any amounts paid for an abortion.

Excludes from the definition of "qualified health plan" after 2013, for purposes of the refundable tax credit for premium assistance for such plans, any plan that includes coverage for abortion.